3 Things You Need To Know About Treating An STD
Approximately one out of two sexually active individuals will contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) before they turn 25 years old. If you believe that you might have an STD, it's essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Here are a few things you need to know about STD treatment.
1. Your Treatment Depends on the Type of STD You Have
The two main types of STDs are bacterial and viral. Bacterial STDs are those transmitted by some form of bacteria, while viral STDs transfer from patient to patient via a virus. Treatment for bacterial STDs usually involves a course of antibiotics. It's vital to finish all of your antibiotics, even if you feel better or your symptoms go away. Neglecting to do so can lead to drug-resistant bacteria, and you might experience another appearance of your symptoms.
Properly treating and managing a viral STD is more difficult. Antiviral drugs can help you keep any STD outbreaks at bay, and they can help you minimize the chance that you transfer your STD to your sexual partners. For some patients, antiviral medications can lower their virus count to minimal levels. However, it's still possible to experience a resurgence of your symptoms, even with daily medication.
2. Prompt Treatment Minimizes the Likelihood of the STD Having Lasting Implications
If you leave an STD untreated, it can have lasting consequences for your body, health, and life. Some STDs, like chlamydia and donovanosis, can damage the tissue around the genital region, causing you to have scarring that may require cosmetic procedures to minimize. Untreated STDs may also warrant stronger treatments that have potential scarring as a side effect.
An untreated STD can damage other components of your body, causing you to experience infertility or suffer from organ damage. Untreated gonorrhea is one such STD that can damage the reproductive organs and make it more difficult for you to have children. Prompt treatment minimizes the chances that your body experiences permanent damage.
3. You Can Undergo Treatment During Pregnancy
It's a misconception that you can't receive treatment for an STD while you're pregnant. In fact, it's vital to pursue treatment for STDs during your pregnancy to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.
Most doctors include early STD screenings in your first trimester prenatal appointments. If you test positive for any diseases that are known to cause problems for a developing fetus, your doctor can help you decide which course of treatment is best for your situation.